If you’ve been thinking about remodeling your bathroom, the weeks leading into the holiday season are one of the best times to get your home ready. Winter is busy, schedules fill up quickly, and contractors’ calendars book out fast. A little preparation now can make your project smoother, faster, and much less stressful—especially when you’re working with a trusted bathroom remodeling company in Rochester, NY like Bathtub Made New.
This guide walks you through the smartest ways to prep your home and your household before your remodel kicks off. With just a bit of planning, you’ll avoid delays, prevent mess, and give your remodelers the perfect head start.
Start with a Clear Timeline and Plan
Before any demo or installation begins, map out your remodeling timeline. Think about upcoming events, holiday gatherings, and days your family might be home more often. This helps ensure there are no surprises—like having guests over while your bathroom is missing a sink.
During your consultation, your remodeling team will outline the order of work: demolition, plumbing and electrical updates, tilework or wall system installation, painting, and finishing touches. Having this plan in place early helps you prepare mentally and logistically.
Prep the Bathroom by Emptying Every Surface
The best place to start is inside your bathroom. Remove everything from cabinets, drawers, shower niches, linen closets, shelving, and countertops. Pack up items you don’t use daily and place them in labeled bins so they’re easy to find later. Keep a smaller tote of “essentials” — toothbrushes, medications, skincare, cleaning supplies — somewhere accessible.
This step speeds up day one of the project and reduces the risk of anything getting lost or damaged.
Create a Temporary Wash Station
This is one of the most overlooked steps in bathroom remodel preparation. Whether it's a powder room, basement bathroom, or a kitchen sink, designate an alternate spot for daily routines.
A few tips:
-
Have caddies for toiletries and hand towels.
-
Make sure lighting is good enough for shaving or makeup.
-
Keep extra shower wipes or dry shampoo on hand if your home only has one full bath.
Your family will thank you for having this ready on day one.
Protect the Pathways and Adjacent Rooms
Remodeling creates dust—it’s unavoidable. But you can protect your home by preparing the main walk paths workers will use. This is especially important during the winter months when snow, salt, and mud can easily travel indoors.
Consider:
-
Rolling out temporary floor protection
-
Moving breakable décor or tables out of hallways
-
Clearing wall hangings near doorways
-
Adding plastic sheeting to keep dust out of bedrooms or living areas
Your remodeling crew will also bring their own protective materials, but prepping ahead of time keeps everything even cleaner.
Check That Pets and Kids Have a Safe Space
If you have pets or little ones, think through where they’ll go during demo days or noisy parts of the remodel. Dogs may get anxious, cats may try to slip into the workspace, and kids are curious by default.
A quiet room, closed-off play area, or temporary gate can prevent accidents and keep everyone comfortable.
Take Advantage of Holiday Decluttering
Since the holidays are a natural time for cleaning and organizing, use it to your advantage. Sort through old linens, expired products, damaged towels, and decor you no longer love. The cleaner and more organized the bathroom is before remodel day, the easier it is for your remodeling team to get started—and the faster you’ll enjoy your updated space.
Confirm Access for Your Remodeling Team
Before the project begins, check that:
-
The driveway and walkway are clear of snow or ice
-
There’s enough space for parking and unloading materials
-
Your entry door functions properly
-
Breaker panels and water shut-offs are easy to reach
During Rochester’s winter season, this preparation saves valuable time and keeps your project running smoothly.
Prepare for Holiday Scheduling
With families visiting, kids home from school, and unpredictable weather, winter remodels require a bit more coordination. Talk with your bathroom remodeling company in Rochester, NY about:
-
Expected start and end dates
-
Inclement-weather procedures
-
Material delivery timelines
-
Weekend or holiday restrictions
Clear communication now prevents stress later, especially as the holiday season gets closer.
Get Excited for Your New Space
A remodel isn’t just an upgrade—it’s an investment in everyday comfort. The prep work you do before your contractor arrives ensures everything runs efficiently from day one. By planning ahead and getting your home holiday-ready, you’ll enjoy a smoother process and a stunning new bathroom just in time for the new year. Contact us today to get started!